About UWC

UWC (United World Colleges) is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
To achieve this mission, UWC schools and colleges worldwide deliver a challenging and transformational educational experience to a deliberately diverse group of young people, inspiring them to become agents of positive change.

Purpose of the Role

The UWC International Board Special Adviser on Legal Matters (volunteer) will provide strategic and expert guidance to the UWC International Board, ensuring robust governance, compliance, and legal integrity across the UWC movement. The holder of this role will bear in mind UWC International’s legal responsibilities as a UK-registered charity and company, while considering the global operations of the UWC movement and the independent jurisdictions in which UWC entities operate (approximately 150+ countries and territories). This advisory role supports the UWC movement, through the Board, in maintaining its commitment to ethical operations and its mission to provide transformative education worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

The Special Adviser’s role will include, but not be limited to:

1. Advisory Functions
   • Advise the UWC International Board on legal compliance and governance obligations, with a focus on global legal variances affecting the UWC movement.
   • Monitor and ensure alignment of UWC policies with applicable international and local laws.
   • Review of legal implications of collaborative statements, commitments and governance practices in UWC.
   • Provide guidance on specific legal topics including intellectual property, data protection, contracts, and other key areas of legal operation.
2. Strategic Guidance
   • Participate in UWC International Board and Council meetings where legal matters are on the agenda, or where topics could have legal implications (with prepared briefings provided by UWC International Office staff).
   • Contribute to the development of strategic legal frameworks to support UWC’s mission, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
   • Introduce new/updated legal knowledge and best practices relevant to non-profits, education, and international collaborations.
3. Risk and Compliance
   • Collaborate with the UWC International Office leadership team to identify potential legal risks and provide solutions for mitigation.
   • Assist in the periodic oversight of major contracts, partnerships, and compliance programs to ensure they meet ethical and legal standards.
   • Support UWC in preparing to address legal challenges or disputes, as needed. On recommendation, legal advice from UWC International’s lawyers will be sought.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building
   • Act as a resource for UWC staff and leadership, facilitating access to legal networks and expertise.
   • Assist in the development of training and guidelines on legal matters for UWC schools and colleges.

Person Specification

We encourage applications from individuals with:

• Extensive experience in legal practice, particularly in international law, non-profit governance, or education.
• A proven record of working at a senior strategic level with boards or leadership teams.
• Familiarity with the legal requirements of global organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong commitment to the values and mission of UWC.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at UWC International Board meetings and Council meetings where legal matters are discussed (approximately 3-4 meetings annually).
• Periodic consultations with UWC International staff and leadership as required.

Application

For more information or to express interest in this role, please contact Mane Manukyan at mane.manukyan@uwcio.uwc.org. Expressions of interest/applications close on 28 February 2025.